MP welcomes financial support for apprenticeships in South Lakes small businesses

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has joined with county councillors Geoff Cook and Clare Feeney-Johnson to formally launch a fund that will allow small and medium sized businesses in the South Lakes get financial support for taking on apprentices.

The county council's Lib Dem-run local committee has agreed not only a £50,000 fund for apprenticeships but has also set aside a further £30,000 to allow small businesses in the South Lakes to take on apprenticeships. Small and medium sized businesses will be given up to £5,000 to support them in training an apprentice.

Figures released recently show that apprenticeships created in our area have increased by 96% over the past year.

Tim commented: "Even though we have the lowest unemployment in England we still must do more to support young people and help create well paid jobs in our community. Recently we helped to secure major investment for Gilkes which will help create 500 and safeguard another 250 but we can and must do even more and that is why I welcome this fund and I hope that small businesses all across our area will bid for funds to take on an apprentice."

County Councillor Geoff Cook said: "Our priority is helping and supporting young people. We want to help create well paid local jobs and this is just one way we are doing this. We are working with various partners on different projects to boost the economy and provide jobs like trying to re-start construction at Backbarrow Ironworks for example. But today's announcement will allow us to give young people in our community a hand up the job ladder the prospects that will really help them."